tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34953436336786709932024-03-13T00:21:23.213-04:00The Bar Eaters BlogA blog for people who like to eat at the barCinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-30971587260185203192011-07-10T04:40:00.000-04:002014-04-28T21:40:23.605-04:00M. Wells Diner - If you go to far or wait to long, you'll miss it.<div style="text-align: center;">
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Where do Bar Eaters have brunch?<br />
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Not so long ago you wouldn't have said Queens.<br />
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Truth is it's not that far at all.<br />
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Good Energy</div>
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Morning Cocktails</div>
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Chef's in Action</div>
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Let's eat!</div>
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So good!</div>
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Satisfied customer</div>
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Amanda</div>
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Happy Waitress </div>
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Another satisfied customer</div>
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One of the best parts of being a Bar Eater is the people you meet. </div>
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Dessert :-)</div>
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Lucky Us</div>
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Another great memory spontaneously made on a summer's day.</div>
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Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-26748681436468165852011-06-30T01:17:00.000-04:002014-04-15T22:50:14.348-04:00Where have we been?<div style="text-align: center;">
Brief Encounter</div>
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(Bar Eater tries out the 60 second review.)</div>
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There's nothing wrong with Keith McNally's latest venture <a href="http://www.minettatavernny.com/">Minetta Tavern</a> Redux. In fact everything was right when I entertained my friend Eric from down east there in June. But, what can I tell you that you haven't <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/dining/reviews/20rest.html">already heard</a>?<br />
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We had...</div>
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The Squid<br />
(Don't miss it.)</div>
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The incredibly tasty if ridiculously expensive<a href="http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2009/03/secrets_of_minetta_taverns_black_label_burger_1.html"> burger</a>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Bartenders</span><br />
Nice guys and consummate pros.<br />
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"Don't take that picture! Somebody famous might be over there."<br />
(Like I care.)<br />
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Good night Keith.</div>
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Coming up...</div>
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The Good the Bad and the So So. The summer report from "out east" </div>
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(Fresno is the real thing!)</div>
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Slightly Out of Town </div>
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Napa - Stamford</div>
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Way Out of Town</div>
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Gils - Dubrovnik & Huth - Vienna</div>
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See you soon,</div>
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Rick & Patti</div>
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Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-22904738635612680522011-06-12T04:43:00.000-04:002014-04-28T21:25:11.561-04:00Red Rooster - A Home to Roost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What does it mean to feel at home?</div>
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It was a beautiful New York summer night when Patti and I ventured north to Harlem. We had heard quite a bit about this home town joint and its Swedish chef from Somalia. </div>
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Making the rounds<br />
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Marcus seems to genuinely enjoy the whole process.<br />
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Patti & Marcus</div>
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The Bartenders</div>
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Lissette</div>
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The friendly one.</div>
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Lonn<br />
The smooth one.</div>
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Kamali<br />
The cool one.</div>
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Luis A. Felicies<br />
Making the vibe</div>
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DJB - NYC </div>
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<a href="mailto:djbsession@gmail.com">djbsession@gmail.com</a></div>
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Somewhere at the end of the road is a home where we <i>all </i>belong.</div>
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When you get there you will know it.</div>
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Red Rooster</div>
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Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0Harlem, New York, NY, USA40.8115504 -73.946476940.7634814 -74.027157899999992 40.8596194 -73.8657959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-65523305600263179562011-05-08T13:13:00.009-04:002011-05-10T07:50:56.945-04:00Fedora - Back in Style<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Back in Style</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://fedoranyc.com/">Fedora</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Everything that was old is new again</i>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AedXEeZPmGk/Tb5MaMGnyTI/AAAAAAAAAis/3BAuMkK7gNo/s1600/BarEaters-0697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AedXEeZPmGk/Tb5MaMGnyTI/AAAAAAAAAis/3BAuMkK7gNo/s320/BarEaters-0697.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Getting together with old friends last month, </span></span>we were looking for somewhere hip and down home, at the same time. Steve and Sue are serious foodies and seasoned <i>Bar Eaters,</i> themselves, so we asked them to make the call. Their pick, <i><a href="http://fedoranyc.com/">Fedora</a>; </i>they were already regulars and we'd been talking about going since Patti popped into <a href="http://jeffreysgrocery.com/"><i>Jeffery's Grocery</i></a> for lunch in March.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cocktail Hour</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUgL-JHrlPI/Tb45ornVeTI/AAAAAAAAAiE/-g-EU4HNOD0/s1600/BarEaters-0641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUgL-JHrlPI/Tb45ornVeTI/AAAAAAAAAiE/-g-EU4HNOD0/s320/BarEaters-0641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Partner/manager Brian, the man behind<a href="http://fedoranyc.com/menu/fedora-cocktail-menu.pdf"> the cocktails</a> at Fedora.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> When we arrived Steve was already well into a <i>Black Squirrel Old Fashion</i>. Patti joined Sue in <i>Songbirds</i> and I went for a <i>445 North Locust, </i>all very tasty. (Ya, I sampled everybody's.) Settling in, we tortured good natured Brian with a round of guess that Madison restaurant. A Wisconsinite, like many working in what if <a href="http://www.esquire.com/blogs/food-for-men/gabe-stulman-interview-082510"><i>Gabe Stulman</i></a> has his way may come to be called "<a href="http://ny.eater.com/archives/2010/09/gabe_stulman_fall_tracking.php#more"><i>Little Wisco</i>.</a>" Reminds me of the Irish Bars I've frequented over the years. When you get to talking to the staff you discover they're all from a particular county in Ireland. Up the street, another bar, a different county.</div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8R7BhaY771M/Tb5ISW0nWqI/AAAAAAAAAic/nBS069NynuY/s1600/BarEaters-0630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8R7BhaY771M/Tb5ISW0nWqI/AAAAAAAAAic/nBS069NynuY/s320/BarEaters-0630.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Architect & Bartender Robert<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> By now you have probably heard a bit about this place and the interesting <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/fashion/27close.html?_r=3&smid=tw-nytimesdining">story behind it</a>. So I won't burden you with all the details, just bang the links if you want to know more. <i>Fedora</i> is not a reference to the hat but the owner, <a href="http://walkersinthecity.blogspot.com/2010/07/fedoras-restaurant.html"><i>Fedora Dorato</i></a>. The story of her passing the baton is a classic, with a happy ending. It wasn't easy for those who remember t<a href="http://ny.eater.com/archives/2008/03/who_goes_there.php">he way it was</a>, but it seems Fedora made a wise choice. <i>The Feast</i> shot <a href="http://www.thefeast.com/newyork/Fedora-Opens-Wednesday--112736534.html">a series of videos</a> during renovations, that are a nice introduction to Gabe and his crew if you haven't met them.</div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Vmfbe6f9CU/TZvGZDwn33I/AAAAAAAAAe8/S4bD5uErsVs/s1600/BarEaters-0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Vmfbe6f9CU/TZvGZDwn33I/AAAAAAAAAe8/S4bD5uErsVs/s320/BarEaters-0686.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm guessing these are <a href="http://newyork.nearsay.com/nyc/west-village-greenwich-village/restaurants-gabriel-stulman-little-wisco-joseph-leonard-sixpoint-craft-ales-fedora-jeffreys"><i>Little Wisco Specials</i></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, don't they look refreshing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We were curious, but this evening it was wine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1z7dOdT8Wg/Tb5UypgKkGI/AAAAAAAAAiw/GXMoQb7WUw8/s1600/BarEaters-0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1z7dOdT8Wg/Tb5UypgKkGI/AAAAAAAAAiw/GXMoQb7WUw8/s320/BarEaters-0663.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">With food like this, you can't go wrong with a good <a href="http://www.winespectator.com/wssaccess/show/id/41452"><i>gigondas</i></a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Energy and Informality</span></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv7mA-dl9Ws/Tb5I992e6RI/AAAAAAAAAig/OAQPKQTiRl8/s1600/BarEaters-0659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv7mA-dl9Ws/Tb5I992e6RI/AAAAAAAAAig/OAQPKQTiRl8/s320/BarEaters-0659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> It was a very busy Saturday night, everything was a blur including Gabe, when he swung by to say hello. Relaxed and sincere, he seems a genuinely nice guy, as does everyone who works there. Personal attention, hard work and smarts appear to be the <i>Wisco</i> formula for success. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jpy15WJFxQ/Tb43tzXPSRI/AAAAAAAAAh8/pHW5eZyom64/s1600/BarEaters-0658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jpy15WJFxQ/Tb43tzXPSRI/AAAAAAAAAh8/pHW5eZyom64/s200/BarEaters-0658.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/fashion/27close.html?_r=2&smid=tw-nytimesdining">Gabriel Stulman</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then Came Dinner</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtOWcLmcYkg/TZvGR513WZI/AAAAAAAAAes/HA1Sd0Gz8kU/s1600/BarEaters-0662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtOWcLmcYkg/TZvGR513WZI/AAAAAAAAAes/HA1Sd0Gz8kU/s320/BarEaters-0662.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sharing the Carnage<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> It was one big order for all of us. Things we had to try, specialties of the house, specials of the evening a truly communal meal. Starting with, <i>chioggia beet salad </i>with ricotta and candied pecans, a favorite of Steve's, (a man who didn't really like beets until he tasted this dish) and <i>scapes</i> in early spring season, very tasty, and <i>crispy pigs head,</i> a favorite of Sue's, also good if a bit on the rich side. (Patti didn't go for the concept). For the main course, (and I do mean main), r<i>oasted pork ribs</i>, not the ones usually on the menu, which Steve says are phenomenal, (these were hardy if undistinguished), <i>rock shrimp salad</i>, and <i>brussel sprouts with black bean sauce and bacon,</i> house standards. Actually, hardy and inventive describes all of the fair. It will be interesting to see what Chef Mehdi Brunet-Benkritly, (formerly Chef de Cuisine at<a href="http://www.montrealites.ca/eats/a-taste-of-martin-picards-story.html"> Martin Picard's</a> - <a href="http://www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca/"><i>Au Pied de Cochon</i></a> in Montreal), does for a summer menu. Mehdi and Gabe gave <i><a href="http://www.zagat.com/buzz/gabe-stulman-and-mehdi-brunet-benkritly-talk-fedora">Zagat's an interview</a> </i>that sets out <i>Fedora's</i> basic approach to cuisine<i>.</i></div><div style="color: #221e1f; font: 11.5px Minion Pro; line-height: 12.1px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Minion Pro'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</span> </span></span></span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dessert</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4CUT0Mp2QU/TZvGXItlRSI/AAAAAAAAAe4/BOuHoxg3xT8/s1600/BarEaters-0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4CUT0Mp2QU/TZvGXItlRSI/AAAAAAAAAe4/BOuHoxg3xT8/s320/BarEaters-0681.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>Chocolate cake like mom used to make. With a milk chaser.<br />
<br />
Ok we're full.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Parting Shot</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmThcViwRwg/TZvGa4QdvpI/AAAAAAAAAfA/GYfRDkUycO0/s1600/BarEaters-0690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmThcViwRwg/TZvGa4QdvpI/AAAAAAAAAfA/GYfRDkUycO0/s320/BarEaters-0690.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Frank</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Where does the time go? Seems as though we just sat down. There is nothing better than sharing a good meal with good friends, at the corner of the bar. We look forward to more <i>Bar Eater</i> adventures with Steve and Sue.<br />
<br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking Back</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Yum3exEIc/Tb5Bkc_s0-I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/1zaHR4KHcH4/s1600/BarEaters-0701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Yum3exEIc/Tb5Bkc_s0-I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/1zaHR4KHcH4/s320/BarEaters-0701.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> For many <i>Fedora</i> (the bar) was an old friend and it is hard when old friends move on. <a href="http://vanishingnewyork.blogspot.com/2010/07/faux-dora.html">Those afflicted with nostalgia </a>might do better to think of this smart, new incarnation as, "<i>daughter of Fedora</i>" and look upon her with the delight held for the progeny of a legend.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fedora</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i>Everything that was old is new again.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/27649/restaurant/West-Village/Fedora-Restaurant-New-York"><img alt="Fedora Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/27649/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br />
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</div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-47851063083032353982011-04-06T05:03:00.027-04:002011-05-09T09:48:07.448-04:00Veritas et Venustas<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Veritas et Venustas</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.veritas-nyc.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Veritas</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> No doubt the Romans were reflecting on the effects, not the aspects of wine, when they said, "<i>In Vino Veritas."</i> There is however, a nobler truth to be found in great wine and cuisine. A truth both exquisite and genuine. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-style: normal;">To dine at the recently reborn </span></i><i><a href="http://www.veritas-nyc.com/">Veritas</a>,</i> is to taste that truth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3dMWm7gjYs/TZwHDvZN34I/AAAAAAAAAf0/u9f-rSR25hU/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3dMWm7gjYs/TZwHDvZN34I/AAAAAAAAAf0/u9f-rSR25hU/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Joining Patti and I on this excursion is friend and <i>blog</i> wine advisor, Jackie. If anyone knows how to leverage the magic of Vetitas it would be Jackie. We cherish her company whenever she joins us and take unabashed advantage of her knowledge at times like these.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOWcECA_Rd4/TZwHTsSe9aI/AAAAAAAAAgU/tTecczL8eC0/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOWcECA_Rd4/TZwHTsSe9aI/AAAAAAAAAgU/tTecczL8eC0/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aaron Zebrook watching over the front of the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Aaron greeted us at the door as if we were expected guests, diplomatically arranging three seats at the bar. While Veritas has become more casual it has not lost its underlying haut service. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First the Wine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P20wUwlIdYU/TZwHFd1LXZI/AAAAAAAAAf4/LC0nGpP5TZA/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P20wUwlIdYU/TZwHFd1LXZI/AAAAAAAAAf4/LC0nGpP5TZA/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Movia, Veliko Bianco, 2006<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/3920020">"we need to have enough love in our lives to transmit the passion"</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/ales-kristancic-wine-genius-of-slovenia">Ales Kristancic</a><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/3920020"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> A <i> fellow Bar Eater, </i>Jackie appreciates wine excursions on roads less traveled. To start, she chose the Movia, Veliko Bianco, a blend of Ribolla, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. <a href="http://www.movia.si/movia">Movia</a> is <a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/05/04/expanding-the-borders/">Ales Kristancic</a>'s family's vineyard on the Italian border of Slovinia. Ales is something of a wine rock star with a dynamic personality and an adventurous approach to organic wine making. The Veliko Bianco, was an exquisitely complex, experience; we loved it.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Space</span></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wWJoifE_M8/TZwHPhIBECI/AAAAAAAAAgM/iG3R8nFEA-E/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wWJoifE_M8/TZwHPhIBECI/AAAAAAAAAgM/iG3R8nFEA-E/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0388.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Extending the possibilities for <i>Bar Eating. </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> Meticulously designed yet casual, Veritas has a warm, welcoming feel. We love the extended bar and the possibilities it opens up for <i>Bar Eating </i>with friends. Credit for the elegantly balanced tones and textures of this room goes to <a href="http://www.cremedesign.com/">Creme Design</a> of Brooklyn. They have a lot of great work in their portfolio. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oeu4AFBL7lY/TZwHZzK9q5I/AAAAAAAAAgg/0-bJ88GfP5A/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oeu4AFBL7lY/TZwHZzK9q5I/AAAAAAAAAgg/0-bJ88GfP5A/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bartender Jon<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> Confined to a more restrained roll than the average bartender, Jon was still a lot of fun. His affable nature made bar conversation a pleasure. A genuinely clever guy, Jon did his undergrad at culinary school and holds a masters in finance, though I suspect the ladies were more impressed with his other attributes. We enjoyed our time at the bar, but were so enthused with the wine that we never got around to trying any of Jon's cocktails.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On to Dinner</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iST3XlpNiWw/TZyOWU3L1uI/AAAAAAAAAgs/G78MWrXy9p0/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iST3XlpNiWw/TZyOWU3L1uI/AAAAAAAAAgs/G78MWrXy9p0/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> First the Salmon and Tuna Crudo with Citrus, Pomegranate<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> The right beginning, a refreshing palate awakener for the meal ahead. Jackie liked it so much she went with it for dinner. I didn't taste the special crab salad appetizer she and Patti shared, but there was a lot of "mmm-ing" going on next to me, while I had my crudo.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAizN3aCshY/TZyOY18PrNI/AAAAAAAAAgw/okhqeEYluyU/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAizN3aCshY/TZyOY18PrNI/AAAAAAAAAgw/okhqeEYluyU/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0360.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Seared Scallops Roasted Cèpes, Sunchoke Puré, Foie Gras<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> That's my plate above; rich and delicious, I knew I had to have it, when I saw the guy next to us enjoying his, well before I'd glimpsed the menu. Patti had the Roasted Chicken with Potato Leek Cake, which she found hearty yet elegant. If you'd like a better look at the food than I can provide with my little camera in dim light, there's a video with Chef Sam Hazen and Pastry Chef Emily Wallendjacks' descriptions at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cklASLbQl4">Vetitas Michelin Video</a>. </div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">More Wine</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYxuXqersIU/TZwHN7EQlDI/AAAAAAAAAgI/w6C5wnX4DVo/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYxuXqersIU/TZwHN7EQlDI/AAAAAAAAAgI/w6C5wnX4DVo/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0374.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Chateau Musar 2002</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"> Keeping with, <i>organic wines from unexpected places</i> theme of the evening, Jackie chose </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Chateau Musar 2002, a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"> blend by Gaston Masar, of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carigan. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.chateaumusar.com.lb/english/civilization.htm">Chateau Musar</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"> is in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"> the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. It hasn't been easy making wine in Lebanon over the years. Which may explain Musar motto "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_omnia_vincit">Labor vincit omnia</a>." </i>Patriarch,<i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><a href="http://thewinebottega.com/serge-hochar-of-chateau-musar/">Serge Musar's</a> philosophy, "wine must be <i>true</i>, it must be alive and it must linger long enough to infuse into memory." That it did beautifully. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxfXW2MRmLw/TZwHMfS2kHI/AAAAAAAAAgE/g4bxnt10MTA/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxfXW2MRmLw/TZwHMfS2kHI/AAAAAAAAAgE/g4bxnt10MTA/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0372.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Orr Reches Sommelier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We didn't get to meet <a href="http://www.veritas-nyc.com/team_ruben.htm">Rubén Sanz Ramiro</a>, Veritas' head sommelier, but we were ably taken care of by Orr. Being from Israel, he was eager to engage Jackie in some some banter on middle eastern wines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53ITeKrLcfc/TZwHb114acI/AAAAAAAAAgk/w2ZrcK6rJNE/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53ITeKrLcfc/TZwHb114acI/AAAAAAAAAgk/w2ZrcK6rJNE/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The depth and breadth of Veritas' wine list is phenomenal.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> No discussion of Veritas would be complete without a little about <br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/14/dining/14pour.html?pagewanted=all">Park Smith</a>. A legend of the wine world, he is one of the greatest collectors alive today and one of the original owners of Veritas.<br />
<br />
Collectors, why do they do it? It must have something to do with possession of perfection. Yet, with wine the <i>cake conundrum</i> applies; to experience it is to consume it. And for we humans, to share that experience makes it all the more rewarding. Perhaps that's why Park opened Veritas to begin with. I've never met the man, but I suspect he would agree with <a href="http://englishhistory.net/keats/poetry/odeonagrecianurn.html">Keats</a> about truth and beauty.<br />
<br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dessert</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_zY0Bwl_XI/TZwHRwFW5qI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/uISgBT6B5uQ/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9_zY0Bwl_XI/TZwHRwFW5qI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/uISgBT6B5uQ/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chef Sam Hazen pours Orange-Vanilla Cream<br />
over Cranberry Bread Pudding with Candied Pecans.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> Sam was very generous with praise of his staff. He wouldn't let us leave without trying some of <a href="http://www.veritas-nyc.com/team_emily.htm">Emily Wallendjacks'</a> desserts. Bread pudding is a favorite of mine and Emily's is divine. She was preaching to the choir, Patti & Jackie, with her Chocolate Hazelnut Bar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVbbhDg5P_c/TZwHV1Q0n8I/AAAAAAAAAgY/XyINI15u_Fw/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVbbhDg5P_c/TZwHV1Q0n8I/AAAAAAAAAgY/XyINI15u_Fw/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0432.jpg" width="276" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bread Pudding</i> happens to be my handle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 20px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 20px; font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 20px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 20px; font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Chef</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 20px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 20px; font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmZU-0pQlO0/TZwHX7VuYlI/AAAAAAAAAgc/UFKq1T9WSJ0/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmZU-0pQlO0/TZwHX7VuYlI/AAAAAAAAAgc/UFKq1T9WSJ0/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls loved Sam.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> With good reason, <a href="http://www.ciachef.edu/admissions/spotlight/spotlight.asp?iSpotID=787">Sam Hazen</a> is a very charming man and a very talented one. Great chefs are artists and artisans at the same time, designing and making. Best known for his tenure at <a href="http://www.taorestaurant.com/">Tao</a> New York and then the Las Vegas version, Sam's career is one of depth and breadth. It is obvious that he is at the height of his powers. It is equally obvious that he genuinely cares about what he does. We didn't interview Sam we simply enjoyed his company. (Also, a <i>Bar Eater</i> shout out to Chef de Cuisine, <a href="http://www.veritas-nyc.com/team_alexander.htm">Alexander Williamson</a>, who began his career at Nick & Toni's where Patti and I met.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/dining/reviews/16rest.html?_r=4">reviews are in</a>, of this elegant new version of the once venerable Veritas; her <a href="http://ny.eater.com/archives/2011/03/week_in_reviews_479.php">three stars restored</a>, the work of artists and artisans at the top of their games.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfs7UPdv0CI/TZwHdmafCjI/AAAAAAAAAgo/K2xMq3WMupg/s1600/BarEaters_Veritas-0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfs7UPdv0CI/TZwHdmafCjI/AAAAAAAAAgo/K2xMq3WMupg/s320/BarEaters_Veritas-0462.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Veritas<br />
<br />
You will not find what is true in life, if you have not experienced its beauty.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/42537/restaurant/Gramercy-Flatiron/Veritas-New-York" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Veritas on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/42537/biglogo.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-58895014302746639232011-03-22T05:34:00.038-04:002011-04-05T20:07:18.807-04:00Motorino - The Use of Superlatives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Use of Superlatives</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.motorinopizza.com/">Motorino</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Superlatives are more often a product of emotion than reason. A rational person does not engage in absolutes without caveats. And with them, what are we really saying? Best not to fall into the habit of using superlatives. Le raison avant la passion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejpwPSPZMFo/TZurzKviEQI/AAAAAAAAAZk/NeIlfYuVeK8/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejpwPSPZMFo/TZurzKviEQI/AAAAAAAAAZk/NeIlfYuVeK8/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">La perfezione della pizza.</div><br />
It is easy to be drawn into rating familiar things like pizzas, hamburgers, martinis... A year ago <a href="http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2010/02/best_pizza_in_america_the_visu.html">Ed Levine’s and Adam Kuban</a> ran around the country in an effort to determine the (<i>superlative deleted</i>) pizza in America. Creative competitions generate interest but with so many variables, their results are meaningless.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyxmJDqCIxc/TZurtLWEjQI/AAAAAAAAAZY/JsPd6_HbtWA/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyxmJDqCIxc/TZurtLWEjQI/AAAAAAAAAZY/JsPd6_HbtWA/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Business was brisk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <i>Bar Eater's Blog, </i>friend and wine consultant, Jackie used (<i>the superlative)</i> when she told us about <a href="http://www.motorinopizza.com/">Motorino East Village</a> last year. And each time we go, we say this has got to be the, (<i>superlative deleted)</i> pizza in New York. (Speaking as a New Yorker, that may mean the world). We are always blown away. Last year Patti took our friend Carlo, a very discriminating Milanese gentleman, to eat at Motorino. Sig. Carlo takes <i>cucina</i> very seriously. While he is much too refined a man to use<i> </i>superlatives in polite conversation, it is safe to say, he was favorably impressed. Chef/Owner <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.behindtheburner.com/expert/mathieu_palombino.html">Mathieu Palombino</a> is the man behind the notorious pizza. Sam Shifton used (t<i>he superlative)</i> in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/dining/reviews/17rest.html?_r=1">his New York Times review</a>, but gave Motorino only <a href="http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives/2010/02/nyt-sam-sifton-on-motorino-pizza-one-star-review.html">one star</a>. </span> I know <a href="http://www.thefeast.com/newyork/restaurants/review-rebuff-motorino-84584037.html">how hard this is</a>, for anyone, let alone an artist, but ratings aren't real. The proof is in the pudding, or in this case the pie. Last Sunday night Patti & I finally made it to the original Motorino in Brooklyn.<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Meal</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYx_6RcGULc/TZurvZ8nR5I/AAAAAAAAAZc/Ppx4cfk_t8U/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYx_6RcGULc/TZurvZ8nR5I/AAAAAAAAAZc/Ppx4cfk_t8U/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watermelon radish with sweet onion, plum tomatos and basil in vinaigrette.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Simple and fantastic, it was a seasonal special. I confess this is the first time we have tasted a <a href="http://www.sweetgreen.com/blog/?p=1343">watermelon radish</a>; it won't be the last. Matthew's brilliance in balance is very much in evidence here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgQrpdDT5Kk/TZurxUoN2OI/AAAAAAAAAZg/oCMGLI2bY_w/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgQrpdDT5Kk/TZurxUoN2OI/AAAAAAAAAZg/oCMGLI2bY_w/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The meatballs.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> Searching for great Italian meatballs in New York has all the intrigue of a truffle hunt. With strong competitors tucked away in many less traveled parts of town. Patti is the <i>Bar Eater's</i> meatball aficionado. She liked Motorino's, but holds her highest praise for others. It might be a fun to do a <i>Bar Eater - Meatball Crawl, </i>someday. </div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w70SkuF-aoI/TZur1iWd3GI/AAAAAAAAAZo/0afYrShB-Fc/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w70SkuF-aoI/TZur1iWd3GI/AAAAAAAAAZo/0afYrShB-Fc/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The subtle, perfection of this pizza stirs profound feelings.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> I do not exaggerate. While, tomato, mozzarella di bufala and basil lend their unadulterated magic, ultimately the sorcery is in the crust. <a href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2009/09/chatting_with_m_1.php">Mathieu Palombino</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> has created something of perfection. The doing, but not over doing, of every detail. Something rarely achieved in cooking, let alone life. This quality is consistent. We have never been disappointed and feel safe in saying so.</span><br />
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</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1pMgZFdY2o/TZur53fPLjI/AAAAAAAAAZw/Rs3kbx0l4D8/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1pMgZFdY2o/TZur53fPLjI/AAAAAAAAAZw/Rs3kbx0l4D8/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Alexandra</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div>Patti & I after dinner, dropping the <i>"superlative bomb."</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN-uIzl9z8E/TZur39p6SaI/AAAAAAAAAZs/qqpcuhsnp4M/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN-uIzl9z8E/TZur39p6SaI/AAAAAAAAAZs/qqpcuhsnp4M/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">The Room</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> The Williamsburg space is way more comfortable than the East Village location. Warm and inviting, it has a neighborhood feel. It was worth the trip to Brooklyn, (which isn't really that far), to sit at a bar in such agreeable surroundings.<br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3f3Z4bYs6w/TZur7pvaroI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/6OqU9Pjy-JA/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3f3Z4bYs6w/TZur7pvaroI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/6OqU9Pjy-JA/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0251.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"> The bar, adequate but unremarkable. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Motorino is a Pizzeria with a bar and we are glad they have one. But, what can I say? <i>Bar Eaters</i> prefer a more robust bar experience. Our bartender, Alexandra was very sweet and hard working, but too young and inexperienced to master a real bar. Motorino has a reasonable selection of wines, but you don't come here for the wine. Pick something serviceable and get on with ordering your pizza.<br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwSMa5q8Es4/TZur9uROpLI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/F0qxc1nR464/s1600/BarEaters_Motorino-0256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwSMa5q8Es4/TZur9uROpLI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/F0qxc1nR464/s320/BarEaters_Motorino-0256.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Motorino, Brooklyn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a point when something moves beyond really, really good, to something that feels like... <i><b>best</b></i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, there I said it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/1344768/restaurant/New-York/Williamsburg/Motorino-Brooklyn"><img alt="Motorino on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1344768/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 15px; width: 104px;" /></a>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-31703487713143718412011-03-15T02:35:00.026-04:002011-04-07T23:33:47.799-04:00Back Forty - Came for Burgers - Stayed for Cocktails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Came for Burgers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Stayed for Cocktails</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.backfortynyc.com/">Back Forty</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcDlU4bC528/TZu_T89UTiI/AAAAAAAAAdY/QfSnXgux9V4/s1600/bareaters-0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcDlU4bC528/TZu_T89UTiI/AAAAAAAAAdY/QfSnXgux9V4/s320/bareaters-0193.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> In a wild swing from last weekend, with Patti out of town and good friend Pete flying right seat, <i>Bar Eaters</i> took off, in search of the best burger in town, (or at least an outstanding effort). In recent years there's been a revival of sorts for the humble hamburger. Some are nostalgic recreations, some try too hard, some are overhyped disappointments, (BLT Burger comes to mind). Word was good on <a href="http://www.backfortynyc.com/">Back Forty</a>'s offering and considering chef / owner, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/19/q-and-a-peter-hoffman/">Peter Hoffman</a>'s philosophy of food, one would expect an exceptional result. An </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">early </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">proponent of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">local cuisine, he opened the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.savoynyc.com/">Savoy</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> about twenty years ago. There is an in depth <a href="http://www.iceculinary.com/news/articles/article_58.shtml">ICE interview </a>with him, on their site.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oMqF7CFYLE/TZu_H7KL4oI/AAAAAAAAAdA/UyBIBmZTxr4/s1600/bareaters-0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oMqF7CFYLE/TZu_H7KL4oI/AAAAAAAAAdA/UyBIBmZTxr4/s320/bareaters-0177.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/28/dining/reviews/28unde.html?_r=1">The burger we came for</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> We were not disappointed! A solid entry in the annals of burger history. Solid and simple, from the quality of the meat, to the preparation, (rare) they were first rate. The farmhouse cheddar takes it up a notch without going overboard. Pete went for the trifecta and added bacon. We haven't done an exhaustive study so it wouldn't be honest to use the word "best." But they sure are in the running. If you are doing your own New York burger survey a good benchmark would be Back Forty's. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb0dJ3pBesg/TZu_PCqvocI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/PudSR0A8hE4/s1600/bareaters-0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb0dJ3pBesg/TZu_PCqvocI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/PudSR0A8hE4/s320/bareaters-0190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bar.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Relaxed and friendly, t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">he place has a comfortable feel, like a </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">well worn </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">pair of jeans.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkA-TAT6_n8/TZu_JiagQGI/AAAAAAAAAdE/AoAZaowClj8/s1600/bareaters-0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkA-TAT6_n8/TZu_JiagQGI/AAAAAAAAAdE/AoAZaowClj8/s320/bareaters-0180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cocktails we stayed for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxU3A6e3QPY/TZu_LhlcGrI/AAAAAAAAAdI/48b4EM47EA0/s1600/bareaters-0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxU3A6e3QPY/TZu_LhlcGrI/AAAAAAAAAdI/48b4EM47EA0/s320/bareaters-0184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nathaniel the right man for the job.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Nathaniel would definitely get the <i>Bar Eaters</i> seal of approval, if we had one. (Maybe we should...) He's an excellent mixologist, a scholar (we assume) and a gentleman. His laid back style fits right in with the vibe of the place. We felt right at home.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5ERTLCLelDA/TXwNYu12ERI/AAAAAAAAAIo/SUshCSO06wQ/s1600/bareaters-0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bSlsDVhQzko/TZu_NVmrw5I/AAAAAAAAAdM/8TvNaiQw6KA/s1600/bareaters-0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bSlsDVhQzko/TZu_NVmrw5I/AAAAAAAAAdM/8TvNaiQw6KA/s320/bareaters-0186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pete and I during cocktail trials. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Nathaniel</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> In keeping with the survey theme of the evening we sampled a variety of Back Forty's special offerings. Patti makes fun of me for trying the "froofy" signature drinks bars put out. (Believe me dear, these were not "froofy.") All are made in an authentic way with fresh ingredients. Round one, we both had <a href="http://www.downbythehipster.com/blog/2008/6/6/eponymous-cocktails-the-back-forty.html"><i>The Back Forty</i></a>, very tasty, sweet but not over the top. Round two, I tried the <i>Loisaida Sling</i>, (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacha%C3%A7a">Cachaca</a> Ginger, Beer & Chipotle) and Pete went for the <i>Parisian Pal</i> (Rye, Dubonnet, Compari & Bitters), both thumbs up. I wrapped it up with a couple of sidecars. I believe Pete was on to the straight George Dickel by then, (in a properly chilled glass, no ice, of course).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cM2ffSW8Tog/TZu_V-b4l8I/AAAAAAAAAdc/Imqm7vSihq4/s1600/bareaters-0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cM2ffSW8Tog/TZu_V-b4l8I/AAAAAAAAAdc/Imqm7vSihq4/s320/bareaters-0195.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ya, we'll be back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xvUEO5_5K4/TZu_RU1EZHI/AAAAAAAAAdU/5Hp3do9NJoA/s1600/bareaters-0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xvUEO5_5K4/TZu_RU1EZHI/AAAAAAAAAdU/5Hp3do9NJoA/s320/bareaters-0192.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/334155/restaurant/East-Village/Back-Forty-New-York"><img alt="Back Forty on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/334155/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
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</div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-17948362061715335832011-03-05T22:08:00.043-05:002011-04-07T23:30:38.783-04:00Pure Food & Wine - The Synonymy of Fresh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Synonymy of Fresh</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span class="si"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span class="si">crisp,</span><span class="si"> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">raw</span></span>,<span class="si"> natural</span>,<span class="si"> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">unprocessed, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span class="si">new</span>, <span class="si">modern</span>,<span class="si"> original</span>,<span class="si"> novel</span>,<span class="si"> innovative</span>,<span class="si"> unusual</span>,<span class="si"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span class="si">unconventional</span>,<span class="si"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Baskerville;">offbeat, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span class="si">unorthodox,</span><span class="si"> radical</span>, <span class="si">revolutionary...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oneluckyduck.com/purefoodandwine/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pure Food & Wine</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7rs3bgh43vo/TXcO8FqzWlI/AAAAAAAAAHE/8qrz7pEYmak/s1600/nasturtium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7rs3bgh43vo/TXcO8FqzWlI/AAAAAAAAAHE/8qrz7pEYmak/s320/nasturtium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nasturtium...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Having wrapped up our juice cleanse, Patti and I were looking to ease back in to solid food with something healthy. While there is a lot of innovation going on in vegetarian cuisine these days, it is still a relatively small field. So where can discriminating <i>bar eaters</i> go to find food that is fresh and exciting? At the top of the natural food pyramid here in New York is <a href="http://www.oneluckyduck.com/purefoodandwine/">Pure Food & Wine</a>. Originally the (2004) creation of notorious chef Matthew Kenny and then girlfriend, chef Sarma Melngailis (<a href="http://newyork.timeout.com/things-to-do/this-week-in-new-york/10766/into-the-fire">sordid details</a>); it still purveys some of the most inspired food to be found on any menu, in the city. Alone, Samara seems to have accomplished what Matthew never could, to keep a good thing going. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUouHTpkfkw/TZudSJMG9yI/AAAAAAAAAUU/pyJ92SWVGoo/s1600/BarEaters_PFW-0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUouHTpkfkw/TZudSJMG9yI/AAAAAAAAAUU/pyJ92SWVGoo/s320/BarEaters_PFW-0134.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First Plate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We began with spinach and <a href="http://www.gardeninggonewild.com/?p=10915">nasturtiums</a> stuffed with polenta and garnished with droplets of wasabi, (a special not on the menu). Wow, what a re-entry! Not to forget the, olives cured in fennel and orange. We followed up with the zucchini and heirloom tomato lasagna and the sweet corn and cashew tamales. The lasagna, a signature dish was delicious, but the tamales were our favorites. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEA2NnPT46k/TZudarK6BfI/AAAAAAAAAUo/AyAVw_d2awU/s1600/BarEaters_PFW-0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEA2NnPT46k/TZudarK6BfI/AAAAAAAAAUo/AyAVw_d2awU/s320/BarEaters_PFW-0152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Bar<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> So that's how the fast was broken. But what did we drink? We were sorely tempted to toast our successful cleanse with a <i>Master Cleanse Tini, </i>but went with the, Saint Clair sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, (organic of course), because first night back, it was all about light and crisp. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vCDwF2psHs/TZudXE3ji7I/AAAAAAAAAUg/3L3QDIM6v2M/s1600/BarEaters_PFW-0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vCDwF2psHs/TZudXE3ji7I/AAAAAAAAAUg/3L3QDIM6v2M/s320/BarEaters_PFW-0141.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The sangria looked great, something to remember for the summer.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aN961PR8nM/TZudZF4pp9I/AAAAAAAAAUk/eKYnR_YLPbw/s1600/BarEaters_PFW-0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aN961PR8nM/TZudZF4pp9I/AAAAAAAAAUk/eKYnR_YLPbw/s320/BarEaters_PFW-0143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fuPcQEgIFvw/TXhxuO0DiLI/AAAAAAAAAHU/q0PGZXnjScM/s1600/BarEaters_PFW-0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Victor<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (a bit blurry)</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> A word about Victor, our bartender for the evening. A genuine guy and pleasure to meet, he knows what he is doing and he keeps it real. So often its the added dimension of a good bartender, natural, unaffected, in tune to their surroundings that ties the whole experience together. We look forward to running into Victor again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8KCgo3xfJs/TZudeP9KYWI/AAAAAAAAAUw/NmazUmV6ou4/s1600/bareaters_PFW-0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8KCgo3xfJs/TZudeP9KYWI/AAAAAAAAAUw/NmazUmV6ou4/s320/bareaters_PFW-0171.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oMVDzF9W02c/TXcLndNTbWI/AAAAAAAAAG8/yKab9AMIlpE/s1600/bareaters_PFW-0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The knock on this place is that the portions are small and the prices high. It is undeniably, on the expensive side but we never balk when quality is exceptional. In our view, it is the mediocre that's a waste of money, at any price point. As for the portions they seemed ample to us. We even had left overs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chef / Owner Sarma Melngailis blogs about everything at <a href="http://oneluckyduck.com/sarma/">One Lucky Duck</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/37793/restaurant/Gramercy-Flatiron/Pure-Food-and-Wine-New-York" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pure Food and Wine on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/37793/biglogo.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-64403201034520507332011-03-02T21:48:00.020-05:002011-03-24T02:14:31.628-04:00Intermission - Blue Print Cleanse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Time for a break...</span><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ze0d3y50hts/TW8ADA4__2I/AAAAAAAAAGc/7FR2NeGqUuI/s1600/BarEaters_BPC-0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ze0d3y50hts/TW8ADA4__2I/AAAAAAAAAGc/7FR2NeGqUuI/s320/BarEaters_BPC-0114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blueprintcleanse.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blue Print Cleanse</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> From time to time it is wise for even the most ardent of <i>bar eaters</i> to pause and regain balance. This week is that time for us. I am not a subscriber to the belief that we humans are inherently "unclean" and therefore, in constant need of "cleansing." However, perhaps because I'm a Libra, the idea of rebalancing makes some sense. <a href="http://blueprintcleanse.com/">Blue Print Cleanse</a> seems to be based on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_diet">alkaline die</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_diet">t</a> theory. No matter what, eating (or in this case drinking), extremely fresh and simple food is a good idea after a run of lavish consumption. Just a week without alcohol and fat, at a thousand calories a day, is bound to lighten your load. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The folks at Blue Print Cleanse have it all worked out. You get six numbered bottles for each day of your cleanse, delivered fresh and packed in ice. A couple of days in, I can report, all are palatable, even tasty. The green juice (1, 3 and 5), is the core of the diet, and tastes as the name implies. Concoctions 2 and 3 are quite refreshing. And 6, is reasonably rich and satisfying, so hitting the sack is no problem. We are far from suffering. The system is a smartly worked out even, dare I say, pleasant approach to "cleansing."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c0bFthwZmcA/TXJxOEpspxI/AAAAAAAAAGg/_kboDqyPaVY/s1600/BarEaters_BPC-0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c0bFthwZmcA/TXJxOEpspxI/AAAAAAAAAGg/_kboDqyPaVY/s320/BarEaters_BPC-0129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Finish Line</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Maybe, reusable glass bottles for we locals.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-34105644368994376822011-03-01T00:53:00.036-05:002011-04-07T22:27:31.981-04:00Bar Veloce - Is a Wine Bar, a Bar?<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Is a Wine Bar, a Bar?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.barveloce.com/">Bar Veloce</a></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LvmdwB36Ylw/TWyILm96BrI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/ORqLpIfEUcA/s1600/Bareaters_Veloce-0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LvmdwB36Ylw/TWyILm96BrI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/ORqLpIfEUcA/s320/Bareaters_Veloce-0108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Is a wine bar, a bar?<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> We were a bit underwhelmed by <a href="http://www.barveloce.com/">Bar Veloce</a>. I have to admit it was the second time we've been there and I don't remember the first, (Patti does). It wasn't terrible by any means. But I have to ask, does this bar achieve what it wants to be? To read owner Frederick Twomey's <a href="http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2010/05/24/bar-veloce-an-empire-built-on-a-lifestyle-of-wine/">interview</a> in Aol Business, you might expect, "a communal table, that's warm, convivial, sleek, modern, inviting..." All attributes which <i>Bar Eaters </i>strongly supports. Unfortunately, <i>Veloce</i> falls short on most of those accounts.</div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SCiNjwUVzMk/TWyF15cyARI/AAAAAAAAAGE/5T0IeX7KLdM/s1600/Bareaters_Veloce-0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SCiNjwUVzMk/TWyF15cyARI/AAAAAAAAAGE/5T0IeX7KLdM/s320/Bareaters_Veloce-0098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The space itself looks slick but is actually a bit awkward. We were fortunate, to arrive as two were leaving an otherwise full house. The bartender, wine steward was competent but un-engaging.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wz9I2poJ0tQ/TWyGsnrzWzI/AAAAAAAAAGI/BnvX6j8JLxM/s1600/Bareaters_Veloce-0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wz9I2poJ0tQ/TWyGsnrzWzI/AAAAAAAAAGI/BnvX6j8JLxM/s320/Bareaters_Veloce-0103.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
With Tre Biccheiri still fresh in our memories it was difficult to be impressed by any wine list. To their credit, all the wines are relatively affordable. Perhaps that's the key to Veloce's strategy. We had the proseco, Ca Furlan, billed as dry and crisp we found it on the sweet side. The small plates were not bad, but not special. Even if their purpose is only to support the wine it would have been nice if they could have made more of a statement.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XgdQVVvnAuY/TWyHeGPUNYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/b5ghmaLohH0/s1600/Bareaters_Veloce-0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XgdQVVvnAuY/TWyHeGPUNYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/b5ghmaLohH0/s320/Bareaters_Veloce-0104.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I<i>s a wine bar, a bar?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It can be. It depends on the vibe more than anything else. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bar Veloce? Not so much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/21829/restaurant/East-Village/Bar-Veloce-New-York" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bar Veloce on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/21829/biglogo.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-25368889534093984022011-02-20T11:45:00.033-05:002011-04-07T22:31:27.266-04:00The John Dory Oyster Bar - Exactly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Exactly</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thejohndory.com/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The John Dory Oyster Bar</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zvKB30mO-w/TWE8DGb84AI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/T-OnTIPurC0/s1600/BarEaters_G9-0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zvKB30mO-w/TWE8DGb84AI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/T-OnTIPurC0/s320/BarEaters_G9-0062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">No Reservations<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> In many ways <a href="http://thejohndory.com/">The John Dory Oyster Bar</a> is exactly what Bar Eaters are looking for. Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield are riding the crest of a trend in dining. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/26/dining/reviews/26rest.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=John%20Dory%20Oyster%20Bar&st=cse">Sam Sifton in the New York Times </a>knows what he is talking about when it comes to food, but when he gets to grousing about the wait for a table... Well I think he needs to loosen up and join the bar eaters movement. While we waited for a spot at the bar, we enjoyed a crisp <a href="http://thejohndory.com/menu_beerwine.html">Spanish Albarino</a>, and got on the spot recommendations from a very nice couple who had just finished their meal. It was Friday night about eight when we arrived, our dear friend and <i>Bar Eater Blog</i> wine consultant, Jackie joining us. The wait wasn't bad. Maybe we were lucky. Time is relative, and thanks to Tre Bicchieri we were in a festive mood. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWMqnIeCDRg/TWE870FjOOI/AAAAAAAAAFU/sefuVhWe6Vo/s1600/BarEaters_G9-0069.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWMqnIeCDRg/TWE870FjOOI/AAAAAAAAAFU/sefuVhWe6Vo/s320/BarEaters_G9-0069.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Bartenders, Theo & Tom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> </span>Theo and Tom have got it down. They were busy but never seemed rushed. Concocting <a href="http://cityfile.com/profiles/sasha-petraske">Sasha Petraske</a>'s authentic <a href="http://thejohndory.com/menu_cocktails.html">cocktails</a> requires real craftsmanship. But, there is more to bar-tending than the mixing of drinks. People bring a range of expectations to a bar, looking for everything from servitude to friendship. Bartenders walk the line, the sweet spot is in the middle; that's where you will find the best.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tK-PNUELCDk/TWE5PP_nSRI/AAAAAAAAAFE/usLHFDi_Vgs/s1600/BarEaters_G9-0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tK-PNUELCDk/TWE5PP_nSRI/AAAAAAAAAFE/usLHFDi_Vgs/s320/BarEaters_G9-0048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The Oyster Bar</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> Of course</span> we had oysters. You don't go to an oyster bar and skip the oysters, unless you are forced to against your will. I understand even some <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2248998/">vegetarians will eat oysters</a>. We ordered half from the east and half from the west. Can't say which were better, although I must confess the Peconic Bay oysters, which we tried because they are local, were not our favorites. The food <a href="http://newyork.timeout.com/restaurants-bars/restaurants/678693/the-john-dory">reviewers </a>have spoken and I'm not a food reviewer, so I'll just say <a href="http://nymag.com/news/features/establishments/68491/">April Bloomfield's</a> offerings live up to the hype. We had the octopus, the squid and the fluke with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa">quinoa</a> crust, all were excellent, (check the <a href="http://thejohndory.com/menu-cs.html">menu</a> for details). The Parker House rolls deserve special mention. How can something so basic be so fabulous? </div></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qjp-DyRbFu0/TWE-s8wC4gI/AAAAAAAAAFc/H9K045LLd4k/s1600/BarEaters_G9-0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qjp-DyRbFu0/TWE-s8wC4gI/AAAAAAAAAFc/H9K045LLd4k/s320/BarEaters_G9-0073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Whoa baby, that's refreshing! Tom whipped us up a mid meal cocktail using some of his own patented elixer. (If he hasn't patented it yet, he'd better.) We'll be looking for the stuff to show up out east this summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl_lMMzVtuY/TWGaeOpd-cI/AAAAAAAAAF4/3HwstyMgjo4/s1600/BarEaters_G9-0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl_lMMzVtuY/TWGaeOpd-cI/AAAAAAAAAF4/3HwstyMgjo4/s320/BarEaters_G9-0070.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here it is, <a href="http://www.tomshandcrafted.com/index.html">TomR's Artisanal Elixers</a>.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Looking back at <a href="http://thejohndory.com/">The John Dory Oyster Bar</a>, as we walked out into a prematurely warm February night. I could not help but wonder why it took us so long to get here. Well, three months is probably just the right amount of time for a restaurant to hit its stride. Friday night she was a thoroughbred. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/1555672/restaurant/Chelsea/John-Dory-Oyster-Bar-New-York" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="John Dory Oyster Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1555672/biglogo.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-68747095991551122342011-02-20T01:32:00.042-05:002011-04-05T17:56:37.612-04:00Tre Bicchieri - First the Wine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gamberorosso.it/article?id=236226"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tre Bicchieri</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I realize Tre Bicchieri is not a bar and does not serve food, unless you count some fruit and cheese. In fact its only open to the trade. Tre Bicchieri means "three glasses." It is the highest award bestowed by <a href="http://www.gamberorosso.it/article?id=236396">Gambero Rosso</a>, on the best wines of Italy. Getting one or two doesn't hurt either. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSQtodb_hHc/TZuOXxFSjaI/AAAAAAAAARs/kgEubWiCejs/s1600/BarEaters_G9-0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSQtodb_hHc/TZuOXxFSjaI/AAAAAAAAARs/kgEubWiCejs/s320/BarEaters_G9-0010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jackie in her element.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> Tonight we are guests of dear friend and <i>Bar Eaters</i> wine consultant, Jackie. She has been "in the business" and is greatly experienced in Italian wine. Despite her refined taste she is down to earth about the stuff. </div></div><br />
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All the wines we tasted were delicious, naturally some stood out to us. I made notes on all of them but the list is long.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We learned a few new things this evening, thanks to Jackie. We always do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">As far a we are concerned Tre Bicchieri was a huge success!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On to dinner...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-78950936812295295962011-02-16T19:37:00.045-05:002014-03-13T04:38:38.054-04:00Café Luxembourg - Perennial Favorite<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Perennial Favorite</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cafeluxembourg.com/">Café Luxembourg</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0Wxf1j3zoo/TZul0Va4B-I/AAAAAAAAAYA/d4w9ElmIS30/s1600/20090926_iPnone__0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0Wxf1j3zoo/TZul0Va4B-I/AAAAAAAAAYA/d4w9ElmIS30/s320/20090926_iPnone__0001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11px;"> I've been going to <a href="http://www.cafeluxembourg.com/">Cafe Luxembourg</a> since <a href="http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/features/2417/">Keith McNally</a> opened it... a long time ago. The business, along with the Odeon now belongs to his ex-wife Lynn Wagenknecht. It's still a great place for the basics, like French onion soup, (a Patti favorite when its done right). The steak frites, their "Luxemburger," and their tuna burger are all tasty. Not to forget minted peas, a personal favorite. We don't go there expecting fine art just a good meal in comfortable surroundings. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lv33A-S5sV8/TZul3iGbuNI/AAAAAAAAAYI/E0FZZs0xTvM/s1600/20090926_iPnone__0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lv33A-S5sV8/TZul3iGbuNI/AAAAAAAAAYI/E0FZZs0xTvM/s320/20090926_iPnone__0006.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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None of Keith McNally's establishments are original creations. It is his interpretation of European classics that makes them special. Luxembourg while calling itself a bistro is actually a riff on a brasserie. The New Oxford Dictionary defines <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">a brasserie as “a type of restaurant with a relaxed, upscale setting, which serves single dishes and other meals. A brasserie can be expected to have professional service, printed menus, and, traditionally, white linen (unlike a bistro which may have none of these). Typically, a brasserie is open every day of the week and serves the same menu all day.”</span> </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> While <a href="http://www.cafeluxembourg.com/">Cafe Luxembourg</a> is based on a European classic it is, never the less, very "New York" in its way. </span>Nothing finishes off a long stroll in Central Park like a warm meal and warm company at the bar.</div>
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Sometimes the well worn path is the best way home.</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/23438/restaurant/Upper-West-Side/Cafe-Luxembourg-New-York" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cafe Luxembourg on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/23438/biglogo.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>
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Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-37882440036024149922011-02-16T02:43:00.039-05:002011-03-24T17:09:10.280-04:00Le Jolifou - Sincerity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Sincerity</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jolifou.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Le Jolifou</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Bear with me, as I sketch out the B<i>ar Eater </i>philosophy. I know we're bouncing around a bit but Montreal isn't far to go to have a unique experience. While many of Canada's cities aren't so different from their US counterparts; <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Montreal">Montreal</a> is distinct, not only on the continent, but in the world. In less than an hour, (six by car), from New York, you can be there. (Don't forget your passport).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMBgmamlTVk/TVt-Py20M5I/AAAAAAAAAEI/ZPV0gz5maHM/s1600/20081004_personal_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMBgmamlTVk/TVt-Py20M5I/AAAAAAAAAEI/ZPV0gz5maHM/s320/20081004_personal_2527.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joli fou translates to "pretty lunatic." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I was born in Montreal and although my family left Canada when I was young, the city still holds a place in my heart. Patti and I had come for the weekend, to celebrate my birthday. Saturday night we were looking for a unique and lively place for the birthday feast. The <a href="http://www.lesleychesterman.com/restaurant_view.php?art_id=199">reviews</a> of <a href="http://www.jolifou.com/">Le Jolifou</a> were excellent and the name implied a certain levity. French - Mexican fusion definitely sounded different. Whoever was putting those cuisines together had a sense of whimsey. The who turned out to be chef David Ferguson and with his wife, sommelier, Helene Brault. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8I_kWCBBe9o/TVt_cHY9pvI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/OFqWNY1re20/s1600/20081004_personal_2546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8I_kWCBBe9o/TVt_cHY9pvI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/OFqWNY1re20/s320/20081004_personal_2546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> There is a proper bar at Le Jolifou, however out of curiosity, we sat at the one over looking the kitchen. I remember watching David and his crew in full culinary fury, cranking out one enticing dish after another. We couldn't help but ogle the oysters as they were lined up. I don't know how he noticed, With so much going on, but suddenly there they were, Oysters with green apple mignonette, as tasty as we had imagined! I understand they have recently <a href="http://enroute.aircanada.com/en/blog/the-montreal-list/le-jolifou-goes-roadhouse">changed the menu</a> so I can't speak to it directly. I don't know what to make of the new "<a href="http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Jolifou+working+roadhouse+concept/3142170/story.html">roadhouse concept</a>," but I'm sure David's experimentally playful spirit is behind it. We'll have to check in when next we are in town.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFQk-rgOlO0/TVt-sduBMvI/AAAAAAAAAEM/TBkD47XmJ3g/s1600/20081004_personal_2535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFQk-rgOlO0/TVt-sduBMvI/AAAAAAAAAEM/TBkD47XmJ3g/s320/20081004_personal_2535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cooking for people</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> During the hight of the evening, chefs are too busy for any real interaction. But when the dinner rush is over, sometimes there is an opportunity to meet them. Fortune was with us this night. We got to talking with David and persuaded Helene to stay for a glass of wine before she headed upstairs to the kids. He is an anglophone from Ontario and she a francophone from Quebec. They live a life they have created for themselves. And they share their creation, Le Jolifou with anyone lucky enough to drop in. Pianist and blogger Minna Re Shin tells <a href="http://blogs.audiophile.ca/minnareshin/2010/07/28/frolicking-and-fanciful-fun-at-le-jolifou-2/">the whole story</a> in her post from last summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFDa4XHId8k/TVuAD-rEvAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/T9LcsXaW3hk/s1600/20081004_personal_2548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFDa4XHId8k/TVuAD-rEvAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/T9LcsXaW3hk/s320/20081004_personal_2548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Helene & David</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There is no pretense, nor posturing at Le Jolifou. These are real people and this is real food. Art is genuine when it is practiced with sincerely. What a lovely place to spend your birthday. And what lovely people to share it with. Canadians are known to be among the nicest people on earth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sincerity is a big part of that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3495343633678670993.post-17623046644928325662011-02-14T04:27:00.029-05:002011-03-21T16:24:40.376-04:00La Huella - The Ideal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Ideal</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.paradorlahuella.com/">La Huella</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Last winter Patti and I escaped, briefly to <a href="http://www.villagedelfaro.com/eng/">José Ignacio</a>, Uruguay. If fortune ever finds you there, you will see what a simply beautiful place it is.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPYPasXW8DY/TVnKxgsgduI/AAAAAAAAAEE/gnrVAx9I-dk/s1600/20100105_iPhone_personal_travel_0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPYPasXW8DY/TVnKxgsgduI/AAAAAAAAAEE/gnrVAx9I-dk/s320/20100105_iPhone_personal_travel_0280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A convient <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Jose+Ignacio,+Maldonado,+Uruguay&aq=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=45.332616,67.236328&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Jose+Ignacio,+Maldonado,+Uruguay&ll=-34.831137,-54.649773&spn=0.092294,0.131321&t=h&z=13&lci=com.panoramio.all,org.wikipedia.en">map</a> of José Ignacio</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"La Huella" means "The Trace"</div><br />
I know this is a little far afield for many, but I begin here to establish what we see as perfection. The Zen of perfection to be precise. Not a striven for perfection, but a natural, unforced perfection. While there are many excellent places to eat and drink in José Ignacio, we kept going back to <a href="http://www.paradorlahuella.com/">La Huella</a>.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The crowd is from literally everywhere, with substantial Argentinean and Brazilian strains. What they say about these South Americans is true. They are warm, friendly and sensual, hedonistic in the best sense of the word. Their love of life, family and friends is palpable. Likewise, La Huella's staff achieves that often elusive balance of casual yet attentive service. The physical setting is essentially an elegant surf shack, airy and open letting in the surrounding beauty along with an ocean breeze. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> La Huella cuisine is more about execution than invention. Everything we ate was simply perfect. Coco Weissmann in responsible for the sushi, some of the freshest we have ever tasted, likewise the cocktails, especially the Mojitos. Nothing about La Huella tries too hard and yet everything is just right.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mmmm, take me back to José Ignacio...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cinemadoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13272243520588016008noreply@blogger.com0